ERIC Cantona was King and Peter Schmeichel was the great Dane opposing forwards could not beat when the West Devon and District branch of the Manchester United Supporters? Club was set up a decade ago. The club will embark on its tenth season following the Red Devils when the football season kicks off again later this month, and in that time, the names fans chant may have changed, but the passion for the team remains the same. The West Devon branch was formed in 1996 when it became affiliated to the Old Trafford Supporters? Club, thereby obtaining matchday tickets for all home Premiership games. The last decade has continued to be a hugely successful time for Manchester United under the astute guidance of veteran boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The team have won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and perhaps most memorably of all, the Champions League in dramatic fashion in 1999. The seating capacity of the Old Trafford stadium has also increased over the years to accommodate the fans who come from all over the world to see the team play. The West Devon Supporters? Club, which was set up by Rita Bolt from North Tawton, has grown to incorporate 130 members, of all ages from the very young to senior citizens. The club organises trips to see home games at Old Trafford and other social events. Among the club?s regular pick-up points are North Tawton, Bow, Crediton and three different pick-ups in Exeter, although others can be accommodated by prior arrangement. The club?s honorary president is Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This has been a turbulent summer for United fans, following the takeover of the club by American businessman Malcolm Glazer, which drew a hostile reaction from many supporters. Mrs Bolt said the branch was taking a ?wait and see? approach in relation to the new owner and his plans for United. Mrs Bolt said she would like to thank all the branch members. who have contributed to fundraising over the years which helped the branch to get up and running. If any other Reds fans out there would like to join the branch, firstly a ?Full ONE UNITED Membership? must be obtained with the Manchester United Supporters? Club, Old Trafford - applications forms available from the branch secretary. Fans will then receive a membership package from Old Trafford, giving them a membership number. This number is then used each time the branch arranges tickets for any home game. For further information about the branch contact: Rita Bolt, branch secretary, MUFC West Devon and District Branch, 16 Moorview, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2HW or telephone (01837) 82682 (evenings/weekends).
